At least nine people were killed, and several were injured on Saturday when suspected armed herders attacked the communities of Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks, which began around 6 pm, reportedly targeted a bustling market in Mbalom and surrounding areas, sending residents fleeing for safety.
Confirming the incident, Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Timothy Adi, stated that nine corpses have been recovered – two on Saturday and seven more on Sunday. He described the attacks as “unprovoked” and appealed to the Federal Government for intervention to curb the escalating violence perpetrated by armed herders in the state.
“The invasion and attacks happened yesterday (Saturday) between 5 pm and 6 pm. Nine corpses have so far been recovered,” Adi told PUNCH Online.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement, with spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet unreachable for comment.
Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the attacks, labeling them a “barbaric act and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.” In a statement released Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia expressed sympathy for the affected families and pledged the government’s unwavering support.
“Governor Alia notes with grave concern the pattern of what appears to be calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror…will not be allowed to thrive,” the statement read.
Governor Alia also praised the swift response of security agencies and assured residents that operatives are actively pursuing the perpetrators. He urged increased security operations to prevent further attacks and restore peace to the affected communities.
The attacks come despite recent efforts to bolster security in the state. Just 24 hours prior, the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, announced the deployment of additional tactical teams by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a secure Easter celebration.
The governor reiterated his commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and collaborating with stakeholders to address the ongoing violence, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and to cooperate with security forces by providing credible information.
